Get acquainted with the new public ferry to Daufuskie Island. Have a look inside

Drew Martin
·1 min read

To get to Daufuskie Island, you’ll either need to hire a charter or use the public ferry.

The public ferry service to Daufuskie Island has changed providers and its launch location.

Beaufort County switched contractors for the service from Haig Point Community Associates to Lowcountry Ferry in January after seven years to go between Daufuskie and Hilton Head Island.

Lowcountry Ferry departs from the public boat ramp at C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Pinckney Island, an island just before driving onto Hilton Head Island.

A drone photo shows the temporary 170 parking spaces at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing site for riders of the Daufuskie Island ferry as photographed on Jan. 31, 2024, on Pinckney Island.
A drone photo shows the temporary 170 parking spaces at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing site for riders of the Daufuskie Island ferry as photographed on Jan. 31, 2024, on Pinckney Island.

The singular ferry operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. but leaves from Pinckney Island only at 7 and 10 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m., taking at least 60 minutes to arrive.

The county has built a temporary, unattended parking lot with plenty of spaces and portable restrooms.

A tent with restrooms offers respite from the weather at C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing for those riding the ferry to Daufuskie Island as photographed on Jan. 16, 2024, on Pinckney Island. A chain now blocks access to a portion of the public dock for the catamaran “Ohana,” owned by Outside Brands, to ferry customers hired by Beaufort County.
A tent with restrooms offers respite from the weather at C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing for those riding the ferry to Daufuskie Island as photographed on Jan. 16, 2024, on Pinckney Island. A chain now blocks access to a portion of the public dock for the catamaran “Ohana,” owned by Outside Brands, to ferry customers hired by Beaufort County.

A carry-on suitcase with one personal item is included in the $30 ferry service charge. If you have more cargo, consult the ferry service for fees that are based on weight.

Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, larger items are brought over on another vessel once a day.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, larger items are brought over on another vessel once a day.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials which are placed at the bow of the vessel.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials which are placed at the bow of the vessel.

Access onto the Manatee II isn’t ideal for those disabled due to narrow doors and steps required to get onto the ferry as well as in and out of the cabin.

There is a step up while boarding the Manatee II, the public ferry to Daufuskie Island, to leave from the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Pinckney Island.
There is a step up while boarding the Manatee II, the public ferry to Daufuskie Island, to leave from the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on Pinckney Island.
The Manatee II has nine bench seats as well as some wood benches that can accommodate about 50 riders.
The Manatee II has nine bench seats as well as some wood benches that can accommodate about 50 riders.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, larger items are brought over on another vessel once a day.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, larger items are brought over on another vessel once a day.
Two restrooms with running water are located at the back of the Manatee II.
Two restrooms with running water are located at the back of the Manatee II.
Carry-on wagons – as seen at the front of the Manatee II – are used by islanders to bring supplies to Daufuskie Island as photographed on Jan. 31, 2024, at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on PInckney Island. Lowcountry Ferry, the operator of the boat, will allow only 15 wagons per trip for a boat that has a capacity of 50 riders.
Carry-on wagons – as seen at the front of the Manatee II – are used by islanders to bring supplies to Daufuskie Island as photographed on Jan. 31, 2024, at the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing on PInckney Island. Lowcountry Ferry, the operator of the boat, will allow only 15 wagons per trip for a boat that has a capacity of 50 riders.
Currently, the top deck of the Manatee II is for crew only.
Currently, the top deck of the Manatee II is for crew only.
The Manatee II public ferry has a bench at the stern to dolphin watch while heading to and from Daufuskie Island.
The Manatee II public ferry has a bench at the stern to dolphin watch while heading to and from Daufuskie Island.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, a cargo ship will bring over larger items once a day.
Similar to an airline, visitors to Daufuskie Island are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Only residents of the island are allowed to use wagons to bring over essentials. For a fee, a cargo ship will bring over larger items once a day.